Increased euphoria, decreased appetite, and decreased fatigue are among the most common side effects people experience when they have been taking meth. These side effects often encourage the person to continue to take the substance because, in that short moment, they feel good. But, there are some more harmful meth side effects people experience.
Between 2021 and 2022, 196,000 people in Texas took methamphetamine, which means many of them experienced some combination of side effects from the substance. At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, we are here to help you or a loved one understand potential meth side effects, how they can impact you, and what they can mean for your overall health.
Understanding the Side Effects of Meth
Methamphetamine is a stimulant that can result in many potential side effects. The substance is often made from hazardous chemicals like acetone, fertilizer, and lithium. When it is combined with other substances like fentanyl, it can become unpredictable, which increases the risk of someone experiencing side effects from it.
It doesn’t matter if someone has taken the substance for the first time or if they have been using it for several years. Anyone who consumes meth is at risk of the following side effects.
Meth: Short-Term Side Effects
From a single dose of methamphetamine, people can have a vast spectrum of side effects that last as long as the substance is in their system. Most of the time, they will no longer experience them once the substance has worn off. Some of these side effects may seem positive and enjoyable, which plays a role in encouraging them to continue the substance. Others may not. Some of the most common short-term side effects of meth include:
- Euphoria
- Decreased appetite
- Increased wakefulness
- Increased attention
- Decreased fatigue
- Increased blood pressure
- Faster breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
Meth: Long-Term Side Effects
When someone has been taking methamphetamine for several years, they will most likely develop long-term side effects. These effects persist even when the substance is no longer being taken. Many of these side effects can be addressed through not taking meth and proper medical care. At a minimum, it can improve the symptoms or prevent them from worsening. Some of the most common long-term side effects include:
- Heart attacks or strokes
- Liver, kidney, and lung damage
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions
- Meth mites or intense itching that results in skin sores
- Dental concerns
Dangerous Side Effects of Meth: Overdose and What To Do If Someone Is Experiencing One
One of the most dangerous side effects of meth is an overdose. If left untreated, it may result in death. If someone is experiencing one, it is a medical emergency.
Across the United States, 32,856 people died from a meth-related overdose in 2021. This was an approximate 33% increase from the year before. Dying from a meth overdose is preventable, and understanding the signs that may be present during an overdose can ensure your loved one receives adequate care promptly.
In the early stages of a meth overdose, they may experience sweating, vomiting, dizziness, or clammy skin. As the overdose progresses, they may have a severe headache, be unable to walk, be confused, or experience chest pain. In later stages, they will often experience difficulty breathing, gurgling sounds, unable to wake up, and blue skin and lips.
It is crucial to call 911 and allow emergency medical staff to save the person’s life. Even if the person can tell you they are fine, getting them care as soon as possible is vital.
Polysubstance Use and Meth Overdoses
Another potential danger associated with meth is if the person is combining substances intentionally or not. Any combination is unpredictable, and each time someone tries, it only increases their risk of an overdose. They can also unintentionally combine substances when they unknowingly take meth that has been laced with other drugs, like opioids.
It is challenging to tell if someone has taken both together as they often look similar and do not have any distinguishing features, smells, or tastes. It is not recommended to try to smell or taste it, as this can put you at risk of experiencing an overdose.
If you know your loved one has taken methamphetamine with an opioid, such as fentanyl, administering naloxone can help by giving them more time as you await paramedics. Note that this will only temporarily reverse the effects of the opioid and not those from meth. Only emergency medical staff possess the tools to reverse the effects of a meth overdose adequately.
The Impact of Meth on Mind and Body
Methamphetamine can have a severe impact on a person’s mind and body. While at first, they might seem to be benefiting from the positive side effects of the substance, it can strain the person in several areas: financially, through relationships, or physiologically. The more often someone takes the substance, the higher chance they have of developing a meth use disorder. This can make it challenging for the person to stop taking it.
The effects of a meth use disorder often make it complicated for the person to function daily. The person with this disorder may or may not recognize the changes in their life. However, their family and friends often do.
It can feel challenging, or even overwhelming, to observe someone you love being affected by methamphetamine. What should you do?
When you have honest and open conversations with your loved one about the side effects meth has had in their lives, it can eventually help them see the need to seek recovery. These conversations may need to occur multiple times. Have patience and remind them that you care.
Before you have these conversations, though, it’s important to be able to spot the other ways that meth can change your loved one’s behaviors.
Recognizing Behavioral Signs of Meth Use Disorder
If someone you know has a meth use disorder, they will most likely have behavioral changes. You might notice they have changed friend groups or are participating in activities they normally wouldn’t do. They may begin to talk about meth and use slang terms known as street names.
Many who develop a meth use disorder will also have a change in routine. They may also begin to disengage from work responsibilities, resulting in missed days. They might also start hanging out with family less and skipping on hobbies they used to enjoy.
Identifying Physical Signs of Meth Use Disorder
Physically, you may notice your loved one has lost weight. This is because meth is a stimulant which can suppress appetite resulting in the person not eating as much. As people continue to take the substance, the lack of food can result in weight loss and malnutrition.
They may also have large pupils and damage to the mucous membrane of their nose. Meth mouth, which comes from sores, tooth decay, and gum disease, is possible if a loved one has a meth use disorder.
Noticing Psychological Signs of Meth Use Disorder
Psychologically, your loved one may seem happy, excited, and confident, especially if they have recently taken the substance. They may also seem alert and full of energy. Conversely, they could appear aggressive or have poor judgment. Confusion and hallucinations are also possible when someone has a meth use disorder. Anxiety, irritability, and paranoia can develop as well.
As the effects of the substance are wearing off, people may experience depression. This occurs because they are entering into meth withdrawal.
Seek Meth Use Disorder at SUN Behavioral Health Houston
When someone is taking methamphetamine, the side effects can feel overwhelming. Many people begin to take the substance because it makes them feel better, but with time, things don’t seem to improve. Attending meth rehab can help make finding recovery more manageable. With many options available, how can you make the right choice?
At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, we offer a no-cost care assessment that allows you to connect with a representative. During your consultation, we will work with you, your doctors, and your previous medical history and assessments to determine the best fit for you and your needs.
SUN Behavioral Health Houston Solves Unmet Needs in Houston. The existence of a mental health disorder sometimes delays someone's ability to find a successful recovery. Attending our co-occurring disorder treatment can help make it easier. For more information, call us at 713-796-2273.
The post Meth Side Effects – The Physical, Behavioral, and More appeared first on SUN Houston.